About this Event
Development & Construction Industry Outlook | Expert Panel & Business Aficionado Awards Dinner
The Reality Check: Who Will Survive, Who Will Thrive?
An Exclusive Evening of Industry Insights, Business Excellence & Celebration
As 2026 draws to a close, one question is on everyone's mind:
Will 2027 mark a turning point for Australia's development and construction industry?
After years of rising construction costs, funding pressures, project feasibility challenges and market uncertainty, the industry stands at a crossroads.
Will confidence return? Will development projects become commercially viable again? And which businesses will be best positioned to survive, adapt and thrive?
Join REDL Connect and Business Aficionado for an inspiring end-of-year event bringing together Australia's entrepreneurs, investors, property developers, construction leaders and business professionals for an evening of insight, discussion, networking and celebration.
This special event combines two marquee experiences in one unforgettable evening:
- 2027 Development & Construction Industry Outlook – An engaging expert panel discussion exploring the challenges, opportunities and market forces shaping the year ahead.
- Business Aficionado Awards Celebration – An evening recognising outstanding entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals making a meaningful impact across their industries.
Enjoy a premium three-course dinner with drinks included, while connecting with influential professionals, exchanging ideas and celebrating business excellence.
PART ONE: 2027 DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
The Reality Check: Who Will Survive, Who Will Thrive?
Forget the generic market forecasts.
We're bringing together experienced industry leaders for a candid, thought-provoking conversation about what lies ahead for Australia's property development and construction sectors.
Our expert panel will explore three critical themes:
1. The Reality Check – Where Does the Industry Really Stand?
- Are construction costs and delivery risks becoming more manageable?
- What is the outlook for builder stability and industry confidence?
- Why are development feasibility challenges continuing to affect project commencements?
- How are developers, builders and investors responding to current market conditions?
2. The Turning Point – What Will Shape 2027?
- Will changing economic and financing conditions unlock new development activity?
- Can planning reforms and housing policies translate into actual project delivery?
- Where is private capital flowing, and what are financiers looking for?
- Which property sectors and development models are attracting renewed interest?
3. Survive, Adapt or Thrive – Who Will Succeed in 2027?
- What separates resilient developers and builders from those under pressure?
- Which development strategies offer the strongest opportunities?
- How should industry participants reposition their businesses?
- What must change to restore confidence, improve feasibility and deliver Australia's future housing supply?
Expect real-world perspectives, challenging questions and practical insights from people actively involved in the industry.
MEET OUR EXPERT PANEL
Ilan Samuel
Managing Director | Samuel Property
Ilan Samuel is the founder and Managing Director of Samuel Property, a privately-owned, Melbourne-based property developer, specialising in the high-end multi-residential sector. In almost twenty years, the company has emerged as one of Melbourne's progressive contributors to the contemporary residential landscape. With twenty-five years in property valuation, management and development roles, Illan joins our expert panel to share his perspective as a property developer, contributing to discussions on market conditions, development feasibility, industry confidence and the opportunities and challenges facing developers in 2027.
Sean Ryan
Managing Director | Delatite Projects
Sean Ryan brings extensive experience across major residential and Build-to-Rent developments in Australia.
As Senior Director of Development at Greystar, Sean spearheaded the company's Australian development division, overseeing development approvals, contractor procurement and project delivery.
During his successful six-year tenure, he secured six premier Build-to-Rent sites across Sydney and Melbourne, delivering more than 1,300 apartments, with a further 1,250 apartments under development.
Prior to Greystar, Sean held senior development positions at Lendlease, where he directed the construction of more than 1,500 apartments across Victoria and led a major mixed-use innovation precinct partnership with the University of Melbourne.
Sean will bring valuable insights into large-scale development delivery, institutional investment, construction procurement, project feasibility and the evolving Australian residential market.
Additional expert panellists to be announced.
PART TWO: BUSINESS AFICIONADO AWARDS CELEBRATION
Recognising Excellence. Celebrating Achievement. Inspiring the Future.
Beyond the industry outlook, the evening will also celebrate the people and businesses making a difference.
The Business Aficionado Awards Celebration recognises entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and professional excellence across the business community.
Join us as we acknowledge outstanding achievements, celebrate inspiring success stories and bring together a community of ambitious entrepreneurs, property developers, investors and industry professionals.
It's an opportunity to reflect on the year, recognise excellence and build new relationships as we look towards 2027.
AN EVENING OF CONNECTIONS, CONVERSATIONS & CELEBRATION
Your event experience includes:
- Expert Industry Panel Discussion – Insights and perspectives from experienced property development and construction leaders.
- Business Aficionado Awards Celebration – Recognising outstanding business achievements and leadership.
- Premium Three-Course Dinner – Enjoy a memorable dining experience with drinks included.
- Quality Business Networking – Connect with developers, builders, investors, financiers, consultants, entrepreneurs and decision-makers.
- End-of-Year Celebration – Celebrate the achievements of 2026 and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This event is ideal for:
- Property developers and development managers
- Builders and construction executives
- Property investors and investment managers
- Banks, non-bank lenders and finance professionals
- Architects, engineers, planners and consultants
- Real estate and property industry professionals
- Entrepreneurs, business owners and executives
- Professional service providers and industry innovators
Whether you're navigating development challenges, seeking investment opportunities, expanding your professional network or celebrating business excellence, this evening offers a valuable opportunity to connect with the people shaping the future.
WHY ATTEND?
Gain perspective. Challenge assumptions. Build connections. Celebrate success.
2027 may bring new opportunities, but success will depend on understanding the changing market, anticipating risks and building the right professional relationships.
Join us for an evening where industry intelligence meets meaningful business connections and celebration.
2027: THE TURNING POINT?
The Reality Check: Who Will Survive, Who Will Thrive?
Be part of the conversation that helps shape your next move.
Seats are limited. Secure your place and join us for this special end-of-year experience.
Presented by REDL Connect & CRE8TIVEMEDIA.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations are NON-Refundable. Refunds will not be provided.NOTE: If you do not plan on attending, please do not register. If you register and do not show up, we will not be able to honour any future registrations. Please be aware that by attending the event, you agree to your photograph and video recordings may be taken and recorded during the event and used for marketing purposes.
Disclaimer: The event scheduling information is correct as at the time of publication. The event organisers reserve the right to cancel the event should they in their sole discretion see fit to do so, including without limitation, as a result of changes to the event schedule. Should the event be cancelled the registrants will be entitled to a refund of all monies paid to the event organisers. The event organisers reserve the right to also cancel the ticket seat of regular visitors, other than REDL Connect members if we deemed they are not giving the opportunity to others to experience our events. The regular visitors will be entitled to a refund of all monies paid to the event organisers, minus the eventbrite platform fees. The event organisers will not otherwise be liable for any loss, expenses or inconvenience suffered as a result of the cancellation.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Royce Hotel, 379 Saint Kilda Road, Melbourne, Australia
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